Belle Plaine’s Caleb Stover takes off for big yardage in the Dragon’s game vs. Douglass.

by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — Belle Plaine came close, but lost to Douglass 14-6 Friday night at the Dragons home stadium. The game was overshadowed by a car accident earlier in the week where two teachers and para-educator were hurt.

Jacie Seba and Jacob Mansch were seriously injured and are still in the hospital at Via Christi – Saint Francis, while Brian Seba was not seriously injured.

After an emotional week, the school had a moment of silence before the game started. After the game a prayer vigil was held in the school parking lot. With candles lit about 40 people sang a verse of Amazing Grace and prayers were held for those injured.

On the gridiron, Belle Plaine was eager to end this sad week, with a victory. The Dragons last won a game in 2012 against this same team Douglass when Brian Seba was the coach. Douglass was 0-4 coming in.

Taylor Douglas with the throw against Douglass.

The Dragons had their moments Friday, but four turnovers and a rash of penalties kept drives from turning into scores for most of the night.

Both Douglass touchdowns came in the first half, and both came after Belle Plaine fumbles.

The first one came after a fumble at midfield led to a 18-yard scoring pass on fourth down from Hunter Chadic to Dashon Arnold. A run for two failed.

The second touchdown came after a fumble that gave Douglass the ball at the Dragons’ 18. Two plays later Chadic ran in from seven yards out for the score. Kye Wright ran for two and Douglass led 14-0 halfway through the second quarter.

Belle Plaine drove the field late in the second and got to the Douglass 24 before penalties and a sack ended the drive.

Later in the quarter, Belle Plaine drove to the Douglass 15 but the drive ended with an interception in the end zone.

Belle Plaine got its touchdown in the third when quarterback Caleb Stover ran up the middle and scored from 71 yards out. The run for two failed and the score remained 14-6.

Stover had another big run in the fourth, 43 yards from the Dragon seven to midfield, but the drive was backed up by penalties and a fourth and long pass fell incomplete.

Belle Plaine suffered four interceptions and two fumbles, and added nine penalties for 95 yards.

Douglass had three turnovers and 50 yards of penalties.

For Belle Plaine Stover had 192 yards rushing on 18 carries, and 152 of that was in the second half. Belle Plaine had 214 yards of rushing offense and 51 passing.

Belle Plaine played better defense in the second half, holding Douglass to 36 yards after intermission. The Bulldogs had 150 total yards in the first half.

Kye Wright finished with 110 yards rushing  and Chadick had 4.

Douglass is now 1-4 and Belle Plaine falls to 0-5.

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